I first visited Rated R Horror Speakeasy in 2019 and was quick to shout from the rooftops to anyone who would listen that this was the horror experience doing it right. There are some familiar faces behind the horror pop-up bar and party, including Fango contributor and actor Graham Skipper (Suitable Flesh) and immersive haunt designers Meyer2Meyer Entertainment. After temporarily shuttering its doors four years ago, Rated R Speakeasy returns with a new location.
The horror-centric party includes custom-themed cocktails, shots from aerial bartenders, dancing while projections of iconic horror scenes play on multiple screens, with music from live DJs, horror-themed arcade games, and perusing a horror art walk. Roaming haunt characters will, of course, be on hand to surprise and scare.
The original location was inside a costume warehouse, and attending the party meant weaving your way through a dark industrial building late at night in search of a promised party, like the start of so many beloved horror movies. The venue was an excellent home, but the event’s new digs sound equally as intriguing. The Return of Rated R will make its home at the Nocturne Theatre, which is allegedly an actual haunted theatre in downtown Glendale. The word on the street is the theater is haunted by not one but five separate spirits. It’s a spooky, classy space with multiple rooms and stages.
DJ Jonah Ray (Destroy All Neighbors, Satanic Hispanics) will be spinning tunes at this month’s event, and Elevation Aerial will be up in the air slinging drinks and performing all night. Other surprise performances are also in store throughout the evening, so attendees are encouraged to explore and find what lurks in the shadows.
Rated R Horror Speakeasy returns on January 27 at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online via the Rated R Speakeasy website.
